Yukakutei
The Yukakutei (“bower where cranes play”) observation deck on the north ridge of Yashima is considered one of the mountain’s three most scenic lookouts, along with the Shishi no Reigan and Dankorei ridges. The Yukakutei offers panoramas of the Seto Inland Sea.
Many of the area’s best-known islands are visible from the Yukakutei. Straight ahead from the lookout are Oshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima, to the left are the twin islands of Ogijima and Megijima, and beyond them lies the famous art island of Naoshima, known for its museums and outdoor displays of artworks. All these islands, as well as Yashima itself, are part of Setonaikai National Park. Yashima’s close proximity to the other islands makes it an ideal starting point for a visit to the Inland Sea.
The lookout deck is a modernist white circular platform with a round roof, supported by a single central pillar. Around the base of the pillar is a circular bench. The structure is designed not to obscure or compete with the view.
The Yukakutei is accessible on foot from the visitors’ parking lot on the south ridge or via a walking trail that leads up from the northern edge of the island, near the Nagasaki no Hana promontory. Part of the path is lined with ubame-gashi oak trees, which form a canopy over the walkway.